In a memo sent to players, the Tour strongly encouraged them to get vaccinated. It stopped short of saying it would require players to be vaccinated to compete in tournaments.

Players would be deemed inoculated 14 days after the full course of the vaccine. They would no longer be subject to testing for the coronavirus and, in accordance with US health guidelines, would be able to gather in small groups without face coverings.

Social distancing and face coverings still would be required at tournaments. Anyone who has been vaccinated and comes in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus would need to quarantine only if they have symptoms.

Players have been subjected to testing since golf's return last June, which was paid for by the Tour. The testing operation will stop at the end of June. The Tour did not specify a date.

After that, the Tour said players or staff wanting to take part in a tournament would be required to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving.

The Tour said it would reimburse the cost of testing for those who can't get vaccinated because of a medical condition.

- Doug Ferguson, Associated Press